Yep, consisting, as it is called in the NMRA spec, can be implemented about 3 different ways, each has it's advantages and disadvantages.
One beauty of DCC is often the source of confusion. People seem to be driven to want to understand / be proficient in ALL of it, and for example, the manual on my QSI decoders is 468 pages.
I don't use all the features, I use the ones I want, and only use those settings, and only those features in my Zimo.
So I use sound functions, addressing, consisting and turnout (point) control.
To be fair, if you have an analog loco, a "faultless" demonstration is forwards, backwards, and stop. I cannot believe that you have never seen this demonstrated in DCC.
What I can believe is someone trying to "show off" a bunch of really sophisticated features, and maybe getting something wrong. But comparing base analog operation to a sophisticated DCC demonstration is really apples to oranges.
I use a limited set of features, but am still light years ahead of analog operation and capability. I accept that I will have to remember more and do more to get these features, but the payback in "fun" is worth it to me.
Isn't this what you guys call "horses for courses"?
Greg